Bolts secure playoff spot

The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground witnessed an electrifying day of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) on Thursday. The first game saw Pokhara Avengers edge Biratnagar Kings in a gripping Super Over contest, the first of this season. In the second game, Janakpur Bolts dominated Kathmandu Gurkhas to cement their place in the playoffs, making them the first team to secure a berth in the next stage.

The day’s opening clash, between Pokhara and Biratnagar, turned into a cricketing classic. Winning the toss, Biratnagar Kings opted to bat first but struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Pokhara bowling attack. Opener Scott Edwards was the standout performer for Biratnagar, crafting a composed 45 off 35 balls. Edwards displayed excellent shot selection and kept the scoreboard ticking even as wickets fell at the other end. Lower-order contributions from Basir Ahamad, who scored 21 off 20 balls, ensured Biratnagar reached a competitive total of 139/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Pokhara Avengers’ bowlers, particularly Raymon Reifer and Sagar Dhakal, were instrumental in restricting the Kings. Reifer took two wickets for 33 runs, maintaining a probing line and length during crucial overs, while Dhakal’s spell was a masterclass in spin bowling. The left-arm spinner gave away only 15 runs in his four overs while picking up two wickets, dismantling Biratnagar’s middle order and denying them a strong finish in the death overs.

Chasing 140 for victory, Pokhara Avengers began their innings cautiously, aware of the tricky nature of the surface. Andries Gous anchored the chase with a vital innings, but a disciplined Biratnagar bowling unit ensured that the contest remained evenly poised. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the match went down to the wire, with Pokhara requiring 12 runs off the final over. Despite their efforts, the Avengers managed only a tie, finishing at 139/8.

The game’s fate was decided by a Super Over, the first in this edition of the NPL. Pokhara Avengers batted first in the decider and set a target of 19 runs, courtesy of some aggressive hitting by their skipper. In response, Biratnagar Kings faltered under pressure, managing only five runs in their over. This thrilling victory not only boosted Pokhara’s morale but also kept their playoff hopes alive in the competition.

The second game of the day featured Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gurkhas, with the former putting on a dominant display to secure a comfortable win. Batting first, the Bolts posted an imposing total, with their top order firing on all cylinders. Their openers provided a strong platform, and the middle order capitalized with some power-packed hitting in the latter stages of the innings.

Kathmandu Gurkhas, in contrast, struggled to keep up with the required run rate during their chase. A disciplined Janakpur bowling attack, combined with some sharp fielding efforts, ensured that the Gurkhas were bowled out well short of the target. This victory marked Janakpur as the first team to officially qualify for the playoffs, further solidifying their reputation as title favorites.

The results from Thursday’s matches have intensified the competition in the league, with teams now jostling for the remaining playoff spots.